Madison, Newbury Park power past Agoura

Trying to stop Newbury Park High senior running back Josh Madison was akin to tackling a tornado.

Or, more appropriately, attempting to contain a Cyclone.

After verbally committing to Iowa State earlier in the week, Madison picked up all 151 yards on 11 carries with three touchdowns in the first half to power the Panthers (2-0) to a 49-21 win over host Agoura (1-1) on Friday night at Frank Greminger stadium.

“It's all about setting that tone of the first play,” said Madison. “My personal goal is my first carry I go 125 percent, and from then on I just keep doing what I do.”

The Newbury Park defense created turnovers on the first two Agoura (1-1) possessions, with freshman defensive back Christian Middleton recovering a fumble and sophomore defensive back Carson Falsken snatching an interception.

Madison made sure the Panthers converted on both, twisting and powering his way through the defense for a 48-yard touchdown run for the opening score of the game on Newbury Park's fifth play from scrimmage. On the next drive, Madison plowed through the heart of the line to stake the visitors to a 14-0 lead after the first quarter.

“He made a commitment to making sure he got stronger, he lost a bit of weight to be sure he can maintain his speed and his conditioning," Newbury Park head coach Jason Klein said. “That really was the most impressive thing, how conditioned he's been.”

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Senior quarterback Cameron Rising got in to the action of the ground as well, carrying eight times for 62 yards with two rushing touchdowns. He also finished 12 of 17 for 169 passing yards with a scoring toss to junior wide receiver Jacob Ziegler for the final Panthers' points of the game in the third quarter.

Rising's goal-line keeper and a 10-yard rumble by Madison pushed the lead to 28-0 in the second quarter. Agoura got on the board with a 38-yard scoring strike from senior quarterback Spencer Lin to senior wide receiver Sean Hesen.

“We have a lot more weapons offensively and defensively. It works on our side, and we keep working,” said Madison.

Newbury Park scored twice more before halftime, with Rising scampering up the middle for a 20-yard touchdown and senior Marquis Allen scoring on a 1-yard run to make it 42-7 at the break.

Allen picked up 53 yards on eight carries, while senior Ruben Soria finished with a game-high 83 yards receiving. Soria also snatched an interception in the second half.

Lin finished 9 of 15 for 104 yards passing, and ceded the spot under center to junior Riley Staley in the second half. Senior Kaie Heninger scored on a 10-yard run and Staley connected with junior Gil Levi for a 46-yard touchdown pass for the Chargers' final points.

The Panthers outgained the Chargers by a 278-138 margin on the ground.

“We've got to find out what the defense is giving us and take it from them, be it on the ground or in the air. We did a good job of that tonight,” Klein said.

Newbury Park returns home next week to face Westlake, while Agoura travels to El Camino Real.